RESPECTING THE ENVIRONMENT AND COMMUNITIES

This pilot floating wind farm is located 25 to 30km offshore, almost 20km away from Belle-île-en-Mer and 13km away from the island of Groix.

IN-DEPTH
ENVIRONMENTAL STUDIES

The exact location of the four floating wind turbines on the selected site was collectively chosen by all stakeholders and namely governmental departments as well as habitual users of the sea and fishing facilities. Furthermore, the chosen site is sufficiently far away from the Natura 2000 zone, a Special Conservation Area-listed site (Zone Spéciale de Conservation, ZSC) on Groix. A series of studies of the physical and biological environment was carried out by specialist consultants and environmental protection associations. Environmental studies are currently underway to investigate the potential impact on birds, fish stock, acoustics, etc. Specific studies are being carried out to determine the best itinerary for the electrical lines across their entire underwater and underground length.

SITE MONITORING THROUGHOUT
THE 20-YEAR OPERATING PERIOD

In addition to the studies and inventories used to draw up an initial environmental profile, the project operators will be setting up a monitoring process for the operational phase, adapted to ecological factors and priorities, with a view to improving knowledge of the effects of floating wind farms and their impact on biodiversity. This process will provide valuable feedback for rolling out other commercial farms. The results will be shared with the scientific community to improve global understanding of the topic and the protocols to be implemented.

DISTANT VIEWS
OF THE WIND FARM

A landscape study is being carried out to preserve the coastal landscape’s views and natural heritage. Viewing points have been selected along the coast based on sensitivity and may be used for photomontages. Here are two examples, taken from the coasts closest to Groix and Belle-île-en-Mer, using photos taken in the best visibility conditions possible (clear, bright skies).

Photomontage from the port of Locmaria in Groix

Photomontage from the area around Fort Sarah Bernhardt in Belle-île-en-Mer

NAVIGATION WITHIN THE FARM

During the turbines’ set-up and operating stages, preventative security measures will be implemented by the Préfecture Maritime de l’Atlantique. This could include no-go areas demarcated by marker buoys placed around the construction site, for example, during the set-up and operating stages.